In Pakistan, conversations about health often begin too late, when symptoms worsen...
self-care
In Pakistan, conversations about health often begin too late, when symptoms worsen, a diagnosis looms, or treatment becomes urgent. But the question worth asking is: what would our healthcare look like if the focus shifted from illness to prevention? What if the conversation began not in clinics or emergency rooms, but in our homes, with the small, daily acts of self-care?
Self-care has long been misunderstood as a luxury, something indulged in by the privileged. But in reality, it is a crucial, foundational part of public health. In a country where nearly 58 per cent of healthcare costs are paid out of pocket and access to medical care varies drastically between urban and rural populations, self-care is not optional, it is essential. Empowering individuals with the tools, information, and confidence to manage their health before a crisis hits could transform not just personal outcomes but entire communities.
This was the focus of a recent gathering held at Haleon Pakistan’s headquarters situated in Karachi, where members of the media were invited to engage in a broader dialogue on self-care, marking the company’s three year anniversary in Pakistan. During the session, Haleon’s CEO, Mr Qawi Naseer, reaffirmed the company’s vision to promote self-care as a central component of daily health. “With a 12 million dollar investment underway to supercharge production at their factory in Jamshoro, including scaling up Panadol manufacturing to 8 billion tablets annually by 2026,” shared Mr Naseer, “Haleon is putting its investment where its purpose is.”
Panadol, along with Sensodyne, CaC-1000 Plus and Centrum, are household names, particularly in environments where doctor visits may not always be the first resort or even a feasible option. Yet the issue of self-care goes beyond products. It is about access, education and empowerment.
Recognising this, several organisations in Pakistan are increasingly focusing on health literacy and preventive education. Among them, Haleon has collaborated with groups such as The Citizens Foundation (TCF), Smile Train, UNICEF and Allay Walay Trust. From oral care awareness sessions in schools to initiatives involving midwives working to reduce maternal mortality, these programmes are grounded in a simple but powerful idea: self-care is only effective when people understand what it is, and why it matters.
As the country grapples with an overburdened healthcare system and limited public health spending, still under 3 per cent of GDP, the push towards normalising self-care is more than just timely, it is necessary. Building a culture that values everyday health choices is ultimately about resilience. It is about ensuring that individuals do not have to wait for emergencies to take charge of their health.
In the end, creating a healthier Pakistan will not just come from better hospitals or more clinics. It will come from kitchens and classrooms, from shared knowledge and everyday decisions. It will start, not with a prescription, but with awareness. And with self-care.
- You! desk
